The 4th of July: A History Quiz You’ll Probably Fail

Why is the 4th of July one of the best holidays? Because it’s a good excuse to eat way too much food and light off way too many fireworks. It’s also a celebration of vital American history. But how much of that history do you really know? Take the quiz below to find out!

1. American Independence was declared on July 4, 1776. True or false?

False! The Continental Congress actually declared independence on July 2nd. (Say what?) So why is July 4th so important? Because Congress approved the final wording of the document two days after declaring independence.

2. Three presidents have died on July 4th. True or false?

True!Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826. James Monroe died five years later on July 4, 1831.

3. The Liberty Bell rung on July 4, 1776. True or false?

False!It’s likely that the Liberty Bell did not ring on this day. According to historians, the steeple was in bad condition at this time. However, on July 8, 1776, many bells were rung to mark the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Most believe the Liberty Bell was among them.

4. The Declaration of Independence is filled with secret messages. True or false?

False!Contrary to popular belief, the film National Treasure isn’t historically accurate. Nicholas Cage may have tricked you into thinking there was an invisible message or map on the backside of the Declaration of Independence, but this isn’t the case. There is only a line that reads, ‘Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776.’

5. Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th a state holiday. True or false?

True!In 1781, Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday. Fun fact: this happened to be only several months before the American victory at Yorktown.

6. Betsy Ross made the first American flag. True or false?

False!There’s no proof that Betsy Ross did or did not sew the first flag. Around 1777, almost 100 years after the flag was revealed, Ross’ grandson circulated a story around town that it was indeed his grandmother that sewed the first American flag.

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